Android 4.3 Update Predictions

With Android 4.3 Jelly Bean almost certain to arrive at some point in the near future, it’s time to make some bold predictions in regards to its features and release date, not only for Nexus devices, but for other devices as well.

In the build up to Google I/O 2013, we saw a good number of rumors pop up suggesting that the release of Android 4.3 might be near. The arrival of Android 4.3, at the time, seemed a bit strange considering users were expecting Google to deliver Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie a year after the arrival of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean last July.

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean is coming soon it seems. Here, we make some bold predictions.

Instead, rumors suggested that Android 4.3 would be a follow up to another incremental Android update, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, and not be the full fledged Jelly Bean successor that many users were after. Shortly before the start of Google I/O, it seemed certain that the software would make its debut at the developer conference. And when Google failed to announce the software, users were left puzzled.

Indeed, Google failed to announced a new version of Android at Google I/O. However, there are indications that suggest that Google will be announcing a new version of software very soon, long before the arrival of the next Nexus smartphone.

The software is said to be Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and from the looks of things, it will be a relatively minor update for owners of Android smartphones and tablets. Like all Android updates though, Android 4.3 remains an exciting prospect for Nexus owners and those who own other Android devices. For one, it has Bluetooth LE (Light Energy) on board and it should come with a number of other smaller but likeable changes as well.

Problem is, despite the leaks, Google hasn’t announced Android 4.3 yet leaving consumers wondering about its whereabouts and what might be on board when it arrives.

With the release date and the changelog cloaked in secrecy, it’s time to make some educated Android 4.3 predictions in regards to its release date and features.

Release in Second Half of July

Google may wait for Motorola’s announcements.

Tomorrow is a significant day in the land of Google as it represents the one year anniversary of the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update’s release. The Nexus 7 release came a few days later on July 13th. Tomorrow also represents a Tuesday which is often a day on which companies announce new products. With rumors swirling, it could be that Google marks Android 4.1′s first birthday with an update. However, with Motorola reportedly set to announce a trio of new devices. it would be strange to see Google steal the thunder of three big name devices.

Motorola is thought to be announcing the Droid Ultra, Droid MAXX and Droid Ultra M later this week with July 11th being pegged as a launch for those devices. Google owns Motorola and it would be extremely strange to see it overshadow these devices with a new Nexus 7 and an Android 4.3 update that they are unlikely to have on board.

Instead, we think this event will pass and Google will go on to announce the arrival of Android 4.3 and the Nexus 7 2 sometime later on this month, if it doesn’t happen tomorrow. Specifically, the second half of July looks especially nice for an arrival.

Sprint Galaxy Nexus Release in September

We fully expect the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 to be the first devices that are updated with the new Android 4.3 software. Along with them, it seems that the HTC One Google Edition and Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition will be updated swiftly as well. But what about other Nexus devices?

The Motorola Xoom and Nexus S are out as they didn’t get Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, but we think the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, which is going on two years old, will get the update.

The Galaxy Nexus on Sprint should get Android 4.3 before the one on Verizon.

In the U.S., the Galaxy Nexus is available on Sprint and Verizon and both have had a tumultuous relationship with Android updates. While they utilize the Nexus name, they are not true Nexus smartphones. Instead, they receive carrier approved updates that come much later than regular Nexus devices.

In the case of the Sprint Galaxy Nexus, updates have typically rolled out sooner than updates for the Verizon model and we look for that trend to continue with Android 4.3.